Australian Mathematics Competition: Important Dates, Registration & Exam Timeline

Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) is Australia’s largest, longest-running, and most popular school mathematics contest. First held in 1978, this flagship competition organized by the Australian Maths Trust (AMT) engages hundreds of thousands of students from Years 3 to 12 across Australia and in over 30 countries globally.

Unlike standard curriculum exams, the AMC focuses on real-world problem-solving, creative logical reasoning, and mathematical agility. Whether you are a student aiming for a prestigious medal, a parent exploring extension opportunities, or an educator looking to enter your school, this guide covers everything you need to know about the exam format, scoring, syllabus, key dates, and preparation strategies.

Also Read: IOQM 2026-27

What is the Australian Mathematics Competition?

The Australian Mathematics Competition (often referred to simply as the AMC or AMT Maths Competition) is an international school-level contest designed by leading educators and academics. The goal of the competition is to make mathematics engaging, accessible, and intellectually stimulating for young learners.

Key Highlights of the Competition

• Organizing Body: Australian Maths Trust (AMT)

• First Conducted: 1978

• Who should attend: Primary & Secondary students (Years 3–12 in Australia / Years 4–13 equivalent in New Zealand)

• Delivery Modes: Online Platform & Printed Paper

• Negative Marking: None (No penalty for incorrect answers)

• Official Website: amt.edu.au

AMC Divisions & Eligibility Criteria

The contest is split into five distinct divisions based on Australian school year levels (and international equivalents):

1. Middle Primary: Australian School Years 3 and 4

2. Upper Primary: Australian School Years 5 and 6

3. Junior: Australian School Years 7 and 8

4. Intermediate: Australian School Years 9 and 10

5. Senior: Australian School Years 11 and 12

Students are assessed strictly against peers within their own year group and region/country, ensuring fair comparison regardless of local curriculum variations.

Key Dates for Australian Mathematics Competition 2026

Dates below cover the competition window, entry closing dates, and answer-sheet submission deadlines for printed paper entries. Plan registration and administration using these milestones. Confirm any school-specific timelines separately.

Australian Mathematics Competition Registration Link

Find out how to register your students for this competition. Click here the link below to register for the competition.

Australian Mathematics Competition Registration Link

Exam Pattern, Duration & Scoring System

The Australian Mathematics Competition consists of 30 questions that progressively increase in difficulty. The first 25 questions are multiple-choice, while the final 5 require an integer answer between 0 and 999

• 30 questions – 25 multiple-choice, 5 Integer

Time Allocation:

• Primary Divisions (Middle & Upper Primary): 60 minutes

• Secondary Divisions (Junior, Intermediate & Senior): 75 minutes

• Important Note: Because there is no negative marking, students should attempt every question! Even educated guesses on harder problems carry zero risk.

Syllabus & Core Topics Tested

While the AMC does not test a rigid textbook curriculum, the problems rely on foundational mathematical concepts combined with lateral thinking.

Primary and secondary papers cover key areas including:

• Basic Arithmetic & Number Theory: Operations, fractions, percentages, ratios, and prime factors.

• Algebra & Pre-Algebra: Equations, patterns, sequences, and functional relationships.

• Geometry & Spatial Reasoning: Angles, shapes, area, volume, symmetry, and geometric proofs.

• Measurement & Data: Statistics, probability, unit conversions, and spatial measurement.

• Combinatorics & Enumeration: Systematic counting, logic puzzles, and algorithmic problem-solving.

Australian Mathematics Competition Awards & Certificates

Every participant in the contest receives a certificate recognizing their achievement:

• Peter O'Halloran Award: Awarded to any student who achieves a perfect score (135/135).

• AMC Medals & Cheryl Praeger Medal: Awarded to exceptional secondary division participants for top-tier national performance.

• Prize: Given to approximately the top 1 in 300 students in a year group and region.

• High Distinction: Top 3% of participants (Top 5% for Senior division).

• Distinction: Top 20% of participants (Top 25% for Senior division).

• Credit: Top 55% of participants (Top 60% for Senior division).

• Proficiency: Awarded to students who reach a preset score benchmark (minimum 32 points).

• Participation: Awarded to all other registered participants.

Key Dates & Registration Process

The AMC is conducted annually in August.

• How to Register: Entries must be submitted by schools, registered home-schooling networks, or authorized coaching centers. Individual direct entries from parents or students are generally not accepted unless through an approved partner institute.

• Cost: AUD $9.30 per student (with bundle discounts available for registered schools).

How to Prepare for the AMC

1. Practice Past Papers: The AMT online shop and the Problemo platform provide access to past AMC papers and worked solutions. Practicing under timed conditions is the best way to master the time-per-question balance.

2. Focus on Questions 21–30: Questions 1 to 20 test core fluency, while questions 21 to 30 determine High Distinction and Prize placements. Spend time learning spatial reasoning and combinatorics.

3. Master Logic over Calculation: AMC problems rarely rely on long, tedious calculations. Look for symmetries, simplified patterns, and visual representations before calculating.

4. Utilize Related Programs: Students can build their problem-solving foundation through complementary AMT programs such as the Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) competition or the Maths Challenge.

The Australian Mathematics Competition remains the gold standard for school mathematics competitions, inspiring confidence and critical thinking in students across Australia and around the world. Beyond certificates and awards, participating in the AMC builds problem-solving skills that benefit students in STEM pathways, university admissions, and future careers. Talk to your school's mathematics department today to ensure your registration before entry deadlines!